Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Volunteering brings connection and fulfilment to Annette
23 February 2023
Annette has devoted her time to several Australian charities for more than half her life. It’s a passion that has given her friendship and fulfilment for almost 50 years.
Annette used to work with The Smith Family at one of our partner schools, helping refer students who may benefit from participating in our programs. So, when she retired six years ago, Annette immediately raised her hand to become a volunteer. Now, she volunteers at three local Learning Clubs. She also does data entry and administration for the Ballarat office.
Annette receives a deep sense of fulfilment every time she helps a Learning Club student. She loves seeing the difference she makes to those who need personalised support.
And she loves the friendships she has forged with her colleagues and the families she has met along the way. And catching up with other volunteers at regular breakfast catch-ups has become a highlight of her week.
The last three years have proven difficult for our amazing volunteers. There have been few opportunities for volunteers to meet face-to-face with their students. So, it was important for volunteers to find new ways to stay connected and deliver our programs.
“Having eight lockdowns was really tough. I was worried about the impact this would have on the students I tutor at Learning Club,” Annette says.
I like to think my impact is pretty significant. I’ve built such a wonderful relationship with children. To see them achieve milestones, no matter how small, is deeply rewarding.
Annette was a consistent beacon of hope for children in the Ballarat Learning Clubs. She was part of a remote Learning Club trial with local primary schools across the region. During eight Victorian lockdowns, students in the program joined small online study groups.
Here, children who needed mentoring and learning enrichment received crucial ongoing learning support. This consistent support helped them to keep up with their schoolwork while not at school.
She encourages anyone to volunteer at a local Learning Club and become part of the amazing community.
“Don’t hesitate because making a difference in the lives of young people is everything.”
Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2023 edition of Real People, Real Stories
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